A new group of transitioning active-duty service members have begun training in the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Welding Class 26 at Camp Lejeune.
Over the next 118 days, the UA VIP students will learn through both hands-on training and classroom instruction from certified journeyman instructors. This combined approach gives students a leg up when they begin their DOL-registered apprenticeship program.
Marine Cpl. Nicholas Natal was interested in the UA VIP program after learning about the program through the Lejeune New River website.
One of the things that attracted Natal to the program was the success stories on the UA VIP website. The desire to learn a new skill and the stability a job in the pipe trades could provide for his family also attracted him to the program. 
“While I’m in the program, I hope to learn everything I can about welding so that I can bring what I learned to my desired Local to be an immediate help and not an immediate nuisance,” Natal said.
After he graduates from the program and transitions out of the military and begins his UA apprenticeship, Natal’s goals are to keep gaining more experience, knowledge and confidence to work well on his own.
Welding 26 students will have the opportunity to earn certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GRAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
Marine Cpl. Hunter Zuck is also part of Welding Class 26. He discovered the program after going to a SkillBridge class.
Zuck had prior experience in welding when he was in high school.
“Welding was something that I loved to do growing up and when I heard about the program I took my chance to do something that I loved to do,” Zuck said.
During his time in the program, Zuck is excited to learn more about welding and the different welding techniques.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program, that acknowledges the skills transitioning service members have and helps them return to civilian life.
Graduate with a new skill and job security
After completing the 118-day training program, UA VIP graduates will receive direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location and guaranteed job placement.
VIP graduates will earn good wages while working as apprentices and will continue to learn new skills through classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentices quickly become eligible for comprehensive full-family healthcare and retirement benefits.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVAC-R and fire suppression. The program is offered at any of the following military installations:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVAC-R)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
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